Training Programme Director - Ophthalmology; NW

Training Programme Director - Ophthalmology (NW)

• The Training Programme Director for Simulation will support the Head of School in the strategic development of simulation-based training within the School of Ophthalmology across the North-West.
• Two regional leads will be appointed, one for Cheshire and Mersey and one for Greater Manchester and Lancashire
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• The post holder will develop, manage, and deliver a comprehensive simulation programme for ophthalmology residents across all training years, aligned to the curriculum and regional training priorities. They will work collaboratively with resident doctors in the design and delivery of simulation activities.
• As a result of NHS England's (NHSE) integration into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), please note that the end date for all new educator appointments will be 31st March 2027. The successful applicant will be updated regarding potential extensions (not guaranteed) beyond this date

The Training Programme Director will focus upon improvement of learner supervision, assessment and experience in Simulation training, engagement of faculty and ensuring effective educational outcomes, both now and in the future. The role is evolving and will also focus on whole workforce transformation and developing multi-professional links.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of (specialty) training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team.

Our work supports the NHS to deliver high quality services for patients and best value for taxpayers.

Our staff bring expertise across hundreds of specialisms -- including clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial -- enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.

We lead the NHS in England by:

• Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities
• Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential
• Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
• Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation

Earlier this year, the Government announced that NHS England will gradually merge with the Department of Health and Social Care, leading to full integration. The aim is to create a smaller, more strategic centre that reduces duplication and eliminates waste.

If successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the recruitment process.

The Programme Director will ensure that both national standards, determined by the Royal College, and guidelines and standards established within Ophthalmology are met.

Postgraduate programme management, including assessments, progression, rotations, support and remediation, OOP management, trainee management careers support, less than full-time training, inter-deanery transfer, academic training and other related work-streams.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced NHS Consultant with a thorough understanding of Ophthalmology Simulation training across the region and who will also have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a multi-professional team

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

• Consultant Ophthalmologist or equivalent Senior Ophthalmic Clinician (including SAS doctors) working in NHS in Northwest England
• Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists
• Education Qualification such as Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in Medical Education

• Experience of working with doctors in an educational context
• Experience as an educational supervisor
• Clinical Manager experience
• Previous or current appointment as a Leader in Healthcare Education
• Experience in Recruitment
• Awareness of funding streams for Healthcare Education
• Understanding the Workforce Transformation agenda

• Demonstrable leadership skills, consistent with own personal style, and an ability to motivate others.
• Effective interpersonal skills, as well as written and oral presentation…